Plant growth regulating compositions comprising 2-(s,s-dihydrocarbyl)sulphonium ethane phosphonic acid compounds as active component

ABSTRACT

PROCESS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR REGULATING PLANT GROWTH USING, AS THE ACTIVE AGENT, A COMPOUND OF THE FORMULA   R1-S(+)(-R2)-CH2-CH2-P(=O)(-OR3)-OR4 A(-)   WHEREIN R1 AND R2 ARE SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF LOWER ALKYL RADICALS, BENZYL RADICALS AND THE TETRAMETHYLENE RADICAL, R3 AND R4 ARE SELECTED FROM HYDROGEN ATOMS, LOWER ALKYL RADICALS, CHLOROETHYL RADICALS, PHENYL RADICALS AND O-HYDROXYPHENYL RADICALS, AND A - REPRESENTS A NON-PHYTOTOXIC ANION. THE COMPOUND CAN BE USED, FOR EXAMPLE, TO PROMOTE THE RIPENING OF TOMATOES OR THE LOOSENING OF FRUIT.

United States Patent Ofice 3,834,888 Patented Sept. 10, 1974 3,834,888 PLANT GROWTH REGULATING COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING 2 (S,S-DIHYDROCARBYL) SUL- PHONIUM ETHANE PHOSPHONIC ACID COM- POUNDS AS ACTIVE COMPONENT Edwin Francis George, Basingstoke, and Alan John Davidson, Wokingham, England, assignors to Imperial Chemical Industries Limited, London, England No Drawing. Original application Jan. 25, 1971, Ser. No. 109,569, now Patent No. 3,711,493. Divided and this application July 20, 1972, Ser. No. 273,426 Claims priority, application Great Britain, June 10, 1970, 29,123/70 Int. Cl. A0111 9/36 US. CI. 71-87 4 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Process and compositions for regulating plant growth using, as the active agent, a compound of the formula wherein R and R are selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl radicals, benzyl radicals and the tetramethylene radical, R and R are selected from hydrogen atoms, lower alkyl radicals, chloroethyl radicals, phenyl radicals and o-hydroxyphenyl radicals, and A" represents a non-phytotoxic anion. The compound can be used, for example, to promote the ripening of tomatoes or the loosening of fruit.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 109,569 filed Ian. 25, 1971 now US. Patent 3,711,493.

This invention relates to chemical compounds useful as plant growth regulating agents, to plant growth regulating compositions containing them, and to methods of regulating the growth of plants.

By the term regulating the growth of plants in the specification we mean affecting the metabolism of plants in such a way as to bring about an economically useful change in the behaviour of the plants.

According to the present invention there is provided a compound of the formula:

or a salt, ester, or anhydride thereof wherein X is oxygen or sulphur, the groups R and R are hydrocarbon radicals, optionally substituted, and A is a non-phytotoxic anion.

The groups R and R may be alkyl, aryl or aralkyl.

Preferably they are alkyl radicals, having preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms. R and R may be linked, e.g. so as together constitute an alkylene radical. Preferably also X is oxygen.

Suitable salts include mono salts formed for example from alkali metals or alkaline earth metals, for example sodium, potassium, or calcium salts, or from organic bases, for example mono, dior trialkylamines, for example such amines in which the one, two, or three alkyl radicals contain up to 4 carbon atoms, for example methylamine, diethylamine, or triethylamine.

Suitable esters include for example esters formed from an alcohol of up to 20 carbon atoms, for example methyl or ethyl esters; one or both of the hydroxyl groups of the phosphonic acid group may be esterified. Further suitable esters include cyclic esters, for example cyclic catechol esters, and esters in which a bifunctional alcohol, for example ethylene glycol, links together two phosphonic acids of the foregoing formula.

Suitable anions A- include both monoand polyvalent anions, for example chloride, bromide, iodide and methylsulphate: any anion may be used which is not toxic to plants at the rate of application selected for use. The choice of anion is in fact simply a matter of convenience. Convenient routes presently available for making the invention compounds produce them in the form of the bromide. If for any reason this anion is not desired it can readily be exchanged for another, e.g. the methylsulphate anion, by a variety of well-known methods, for example by the use of an ion-exchange resin. Normally however there is no reason to carry out this extra step.

Examples of compounds according to the invention are given in Table I. Generally they are semisolids with no sharply defined melting point, or non-distillable oils.

The general formula of the compounds are listed in Table I.

Conveniently the compounds of the invention are applied to plants in the form of'compositions, in which the active ingredient is dispersed in .a carrier. The carrier may be a solid or a liquid and may additionally comprise a surface-active agent.

Solid compositions may be in the form of dusting powders or granules. Suitable solid diluents include for example kaolin, bentonite, kieselguhr, dolomite, calcium carbonate, talc, powdered magnesia, Fullers earth and gypsum.

Solid compositions may also be in the form of dispersible powders or grains comprising, in addition to the active ingredient, a wetting agent to facilitate the dispersion of the powders or grainsin liquids. Such powders or grains may include fillers, suspending agents and the like.

Liquid compositions include aqueous solutions, dispersions and emulsions containing the active; ingredient, if desired in the presence of one or more surface active agents. Water or organic liquids may be used to prepare solutions, dispersions, or emulsions of the active ingredient, and aqueous solutions are particularly preferred compositions, since the compounds of ourinvention are mostly highly soluble in water. The liquid compositions of the invention may also contain one or more corrosion inhibitors, for example lauryl isoquinolinium bromide.

Surface-active agents, if used, may be of the cationic, anionic or non-ionic type. Suitable agents of the cationic type include for example quaternary ammonium compounds, for example cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. Suitable agents of the anionic type include for example soaps, salts of aliphatic monoesters of sulphuric acid, for example sodium lauryl sulphate; and salts of sulphonated aromatic compounds, for example sodium dodecylbenzenesulphonate, sodium, calcium, and ammonium lignosulphonate, butylnaphthalenesulphonate, and a mixture of the sodium salts of diisopropyland triisopropylnaphthalenesulphonic acid. Suitable agents of the nonionic type include, for example, the condensation products of ethylene oxide with fatty alcohols such as oleyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol, or with alkyl phenols such as octylphenol, nonylphenol, and octylcresol. Other nonionic agents are the partial esters derived from long chain fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides, for example sorbitol monolaurate; the condensation products of the said partial esters with ethylene oxide, and the lecithins.

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In one process, a 2-halogenoethylphosphonic or thiophonphonic acid or ester is reacted with a dihydrocarbyl sulphide according to the scheme below:

In the second stage the product of this reaction is reacted with a hydrocarbyl halide, preferably a bromide.

This process is illustrated in Example 3 hereinafter.

In a third process a hydrocarbylthioethyl phosphonic or thiophosphonic acid diester is reacted with hydrogen bromide to give a Z-dihydrocarbyl sulphonioethyl phosphonic acid bromide half ester.

This process is illustrated in Example 4. It must be conducted at moderate temperatures, i.e. below 50 C. and preferably at from 35 C. to room temperature. At higher temperatures, for example if the reaction mixture is heated under reflux, the product obtained is the hydrocarbyl thioethyl phosphonic or thiophosphonic half ester, or, if excess hydrobromic acid is used, the free acid.

A fourth process is represented by the following scheme.

In Scheme B, the symbols R R and R represent alkyl radicals, while Z represents the anion of a strong acid, for example chloride bromide or methosulphate. A drawback of this process is that it gives very poor yields.

The compounds and processes of the invention are illustrated by the following Examples in which all proportions are by weight except where otherwise stated.

EXAMPLE 1 This Example illustrates the preparation of Z-dimethylsulphonioethylphosphonic acid bromide (compound No. 1 of Table I) 2-Bromoethanephosphonic acid (0.80 g., 0.004 M) and dimethyl sulphide (5.0 g., 0.080 M) were heated under reflux for 6 days. The excess of dimethyl sulphide was evaporated to yield the product as a viscous oil. (C H BrPSO requires: Br, 31.9%; found Br 31.6%).

EXAMPLE 2 This illustrates an alternative method of preparation of Compound No. 1 of Table I.

2-Bromoethylphosphonic acid (18.9 g., 0.1 M) and dimethyl sulphide (6.2 g., 0.1 M) were dissolved in a mix ture of methanol (3.8 g.) and water (6.6 g.) and left to stand for 6 days at room temperature. Solvents were removed at 45 under reduced pressure and the residue was dried in vacuo to give a colourless oil. This was repeatedly extracted with dry ether to leave Z-dimethylsulphonioethylphosphonic acid bromide as a white crystalline solid (yield 8.4 g.; 33%) mp 133-6 (C H BrPSO requires C, 19.1; H, 4.8; P 12.4; ionic Br, 31.9; total Br, 31.9%. Found C, 19.3; H, 5.3; P, 12.8; ionic Br, 33.2; total Br 32.3%).

EXAMPLE 3 This example illustrates the preparation of Z-dimethylsulphonioethylphosphonic acid bromide, dimethyl ester (compound No. 3 of Table :I) in a two stage process.

(a) Preparation of Z-Methylthioethane phosphonate, dimethyl ester A solution of sodium ethoxide in ethanol from sodium (12.7 g.) and dry ethanol (600 ml.), was cooled to 0 and allowed to react with an excess of methane thiol for 10 minutes. On warming to room temperature, unreacted methane thiol distilled 01f. Addition of 2-bromoethyl dimethylphosphonate g.) to the cooled solution resulted in a rapid exothermic reaction which immediately began to deposit sodium bromide as a dense white precipitate. The reaction was stirred for 18 hours at room temperature, the solution filtered and the filtrate evaporated to give a white viscous paste containing a large amount of inorganic material. 2-Methylthioethyl dimethylphosphonate (72 g., 89%) was isolated as a mobile oil by extraction into dry ether and evaporation of the solvent.

(b) Preparation of Z-dimethylsulphonioethyl phosphonic acid bromide, dimethyl ester Methyl bromide (25 ml.) was reacted with Z-methylthioethyl dirnethylphosphonate (6 g.) at 45 for 18 hours giving the corresponding dimethylsulphonium salt, as a white semi-solid, in 92% yield.

EXAMPLE 4 This Example illustrates the preparation of methyl hydrogen Z-dimethylsulphonioethyl phosphonate bromide (compound No. 4 of Table I). Dimethyl 2-methylthioethylphosphonate (7.6 g., 0.04M) and 46% hydrobromic acid (7.8 g., 0.04M) were stirred together for 6 hours at 35. Water was removed at 45 under reduced pressure and the residue was dried in vacuo over potassium hydroxide. The remaining oil was extracted repeatedly with dry ether to leave methyl hydrogen Z-dimethylsulphonioethylphosphonate bromide as a white semi-solid (yield 6.0 g., 55%

EXAMPLE This Example shows the biological activity of compounds according to the invention.

Tomato plants growing in potting compost were sprayed when approximately 4" high with a 0.5% w./v. aqueous solutions of Compounds 1, and 3-12.

The solutions also contained 0.05 percent by weight of a surface-active agent sold under the name of Lissapol NX (Lissapol is a Registered Trade Mark for a surface-active agent comprising a condensate of ethylene oxide with p-nonyl phenol). Two days after spraying, the leaves of all treated plants were found to be epinastic, whereas plants sprayed with 0.05 percent Lissapol NX or untreated, showed no such effect.

EXAMPLE 6 This Example illustrates the abscission of leaf petioles in Coleus plants induced by application of a compound according to the invention.

Coleus plants were grown in 3 inch pots of compost until approximately six inches high. Some of the leaf blades were then removed leaving petiole stumps (approximately /2-% inch in length) attached to the main stem. The plants were than sprayed with a 0.5 percent w./v. aqueous solution of 2-dimethylsulphonioethylphosphonic acid bromide (compounds No. 1 of Table 1) containing 0.05 percent of Lissapol NX. Two days after treatment the number of debladed petioles which had fallen off the stem of treated and untreated plants was counted with the following results:

Percent petioles abscissed Plants treated with 2-dimethylsulphonioethylphosphonic acid bromide 87.5 Control, untreated plants 37.5

EXAMPLE 7 Concen- Mean Compound number tration pull force (Table I) (p.p.m.) (kg 1. 1. 31 2 1. 29 3. 1. 30 8- l. 49 Control 1.89

EXAMPLE 8 This Example illustrates the use of compounds of the invention in loosening oranges, variety Salustiana in Spain.

Thirty ripe oranges (7 or 8 from each of 4 trees) were painted with an aqueous solution of a compound of the invention. Each solution also contained 0.1 percent of the wetting agent Lissapol NX. Eight days after application of the compound, the thirty treated fruits were pulled from the tree using a push-pull guage which measured the force necessary to separate the fruit from the fruit pedicel. In a control experiment, using 60 oranges from eight trees, the treatment used was an aqueous solutions containing 0.1% Lissapol NX, only. Results are given below.

Mean pull force necessary to remove fruits Reduction in Concenforce (kg) tratlon relative to Compound number (5Table I) (p.p.m.) Kg. control Control 8. 54

EXAMPLE 9 This Example illustrates the use of compounds of the invention in loosening blackcurrants.

Blackcurrant bushes in a Sussex orchard were sprayed overall with aqueous solutions of the invention compounds containing 0.1% Lissapol NX wetter. The bushes were gently shaken 5 days after spraying, and the percentages of fruit and leaf drop were assessed visually. Results are given below.

Concentration Fruit drop Leaf drop Compound number (Table I) (p.p.m.) (percent) (percent) ControL 1 5 EXAMPLE 10 This Example illustrates the use of compounds of the invention in loosening top fruit.

Compounds of the invention were applied to apples growing in a Sussex orchard by selecting one main branch per treatment, hearing about 20 fruits, and painting the aqueous solutions containing 0.1% Lissapol NX wetter onto the fruit surface with a paint brush.

The number of apples per treatment was recorded at the time of application and the force necessary to remove each apple still attached six days later was measured with a push-pull gauge. Results are given below.

Mean force (kg) required to remove fruit at indicated application rate of chemical Compound number (Table I) 5,000 ppm. 2,000 p.p.m. 500 p.p.m.

EXAMPLE 1 1 This Example illustrates the use of compounds of the invention to increase the proportion of female flowers in cucurbit plants, thereby increasing the fruit bearing potential of the plants.

Percent Percent Compound numbers male female (Table I) flowers flowers Control 89. 8 10. 5

EXAMPLE 12 This Example illustrates the use of compounds of the present invention in ripening tomatoes.

Tomatoes (Lycoparsicon esculentum) of an Italian canning variety were grown in the field in Valencia, Spain. Seven days before harvest they were sprayed with aqueous solutions of the invention compounds containing 0.1% Lissapol NX wetter. Assessments of ripeness were then made 3 days later, and again seven days later, just after harvest. Tomatoes were classified visually as red, pink/ red, pink or green/pink and a ripeness index calculated as follows Ripeness index=percent red fruitS+O.7S (percent pink/ red fruits)+0.5 (percent pink fruits)+0.25 (percent green/pink fruit).

The table below gives the percentage increase in ripeness index over untreated controls at the same stage of development. It should be noted that the 3 day assessment is inherently less accurate than the seven day assessment because the fruits are not removed from the plant.

7 days 3 days (harvest) 12 What is claimed is: 1. The process which comprises applying a compound of the formula wherein R and R are selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl radicals, benzyl radicals and the tetra methylene radical, R and R are selected from hydrogen atoms, lower alkyl radicals, chloroethyl radicals, phenyl radicals and O-hydroxyphenyl radicals, and A- represents a non-phytotoxic anion, to tomatoes in such amount as to promote ripening of said tomatoes.

2. A process which comprises applying a compound of the formula wherein R and R are selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl radicals, benzyl radicals and the tetramethylene radical, R and R are selected from hydrogen atoms, lower alkyl radicals, chloroethyl radicals, phenyl radicals and O-hydroxyphenyl radicals, and A* represents a non-phytotoxic anion, to fruit in such an amount as to promote loosening of said fruit.

3. A process according to claim 2 wherein said fruit is citrus.

4. A process which comprises applying a compound of of the formula wherein R and R are selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl radicals, benzyl radicals and the tetramethylene radical, R and R are selected from hydrogen atoms, lower alkyl radicals, chloroethyl radicals, phenyl radicals and O-hydroxyphenyl radicals, and A represents a non-phytotoxis anion, to cucurbits in such an amount as to promote the formation of an increased proportion of female flowers thereon.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,725,466 4/1973 Uhing 7l87 JAMES O. THOMAS, JR., Primary Examiner U .8. Cl. X.R. 7171, 72, 76, 77

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3 834, 888 Dated September 10; 1974 Inventor(s) Edwin Francis George and Alan John Davidson It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In the heading of the patent, the priority data should read as follows:

-Claims priority, application Great Britain, February 10,

1970, 6403/70 and Great Britain, June 16, 1970,

Signed and sealed this 15th day 0" -pril F575.

3 I! L) Attest:

C. TMRSHAIL D521??? RUTH C. BLISS? Commissioner of Patents attesting; 0. and Trademarks FORM PO-IOSO (10-69) USCOMM-DC 60376-P6'3 u s. aovumucm rumlmo omc: nu o-au-Ju 

